Question

How do you solve `x^2 – 8x = –16` by completing the square?

Answer 1

`x=4" multiplicity 2"`

Explanation:

`"rearrange and equate to zero"`

`rArrx^2-8x+16=0`

`"completing the square involves adding half the coefficient"`
`"of the x-term squared to " x^2-8x`

`"that is "(-4)^2=16`

`x^2-8x+16" is already in that form"`

`rArr(x-4)^2=0`

`rArrx=4" of multiplicity 2"`